Applying for secondary schools

You can express a preference for up to five schools in Liverpool or other local authority areas when you apply online.

There are different types of secondary schools in Liverpool which have different admission arrangements:

• Community schools follow the council's admission policy.
• Academies, Foundation, Trust and Voluntary Aided schools follow the admission policy determined by the governing body.
• Some schools require parents to complete a supplementary school application form as well as the local authority's online preference form. The supplementary application form is used by the governors when they are deciding which children to admit. The local authority's preference form is used as part of the coordinated admissions procedure.

Use our school search to see what type of admission arrangements apply to your preferred schools and download any supplementary forms.

Liverpool residents

Liverpool residents must apply for Liverpool schools and schools in other local authority areas on Liverpool's online application form.

If you are thinking of applying to schools in other areas you should contact the local authority serving that area for information on their admission arrangements or visit the school websites.

Non-Liverpool residents

If you live outside Liverpool and your child attends a Liverpool primary school you must apply using your local authority's application form. Visit the school admissions information on your local authority website or contact them directly.

Children with special educational needs

SEN support

If your child has special educational needs or a disability but does not have Statement of Special Educational needs or an Education Health and Care Plan, you should complete the online preference form issued by your home local authority, as above.

The usual admission policy for the school will apply. If you are not allocated a place for your child at your preferred school you can appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel.

Children with a Statement or Education Health and Care Plan

If your child has a Statement of Special Educational needs or an Education Health and Care Plan and is in a mainstream school, you should complete the online preference form issued by your home local authority, as above.

You will discuss the secondary school your child will transfer to at your child's annual review in the autumn term. A decision about which secondary school your child will attend will be made following the review.

If you disagree with the secondary school named in your child's statement you can appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal. Contact the Special Educational Needs and Disability Team about this on 233 5957.